Mountains to Sea Trail

Mountain to Sea Bike Ride in Orange County

Orange County’s Mountains to Sea Trail is no hyperbole. This stunning 44-mile route (round-trip) stitches together trails from the Santa Ana Mountains to Newport Beach, hugging concrete water channels and opening up to nature—and scenic loops—at either end. Don’t let the mileage daunt you. The way is mostly paved and gently graded. Starting in the middle at Bill Barber Memorial Park, head south along San Diego Creek Channel towards the ocean. After crossing beneath the 405 Freeway and beside UC Irvine, a pass under Jamboree Road thrusts you abruptly into the sweeping expanse of Upper Newport Bay (aka “the Back Bay”), one of the few pristine estuaries left in Southern California. Circle its entirety on Back Bay Loop Trail.

Cruise down its eastern edge beside a verdant marsh and bluffs of coastal sage scrub, then climb to cliff-top vistas at Castaways Park on the west side. Returning to Bill Barber, cross the creek and pedal north into Tustin via Peters Canyon Trail, which traces a wash channel bisecting the fringe of commercial properties and pleasantly landscaped housing tracts. At Bryan Avenue, cut over to the channel's west side and follow Irvine Trail north, meandering into pure suburbia. The path parallels Jamboree Road, passes Cedar Grove Park, and then links to Peters Canyon Regional Park, where a dirt trail takes you over hills of native vegetation and past a reservoir. A paved stretch along Jamboree Road then connects to Irvine Regional Park, the oldest park in OC.

FOOD & BEER BONUS: For breakfast or lunch, stop off at EATS Kitchen in Irvine, just a block from San Diego Creek Channel. This gastropub embedded in the ground floor of Hotel Irvine serves colorful modern takes on bar comfort food under the direction of a masterful European chef. Enjoy craft beers and cocktails on the patio as well.

Rent a road or mountain bike from Trail’s End Cycling Center, just a few blocks west of the trail in Irvine. The bike shop also offers extensive parts and services for any roadway emergencies. For the ride: Take I-5 to Tustin, exit Jamboree Rd. and head south. Turn left on Barranca Pkwy. Turn right on Harvard Ave., then right on Civic Center Plaza to reach parking for Bill Barber Memorial Park. Dog-friendly.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View